When a child is hurt, parents carry the case and the guilt simultaneously — usually with no reason for the second. Pennsylvania law treats children’s claims differently at nearly every step, and those differences mostly favor the child: extended deadlines, heightened duties of care, and court oversight of settlements.
How Children’s Cases Differ
- Extended deadlines. A minor’s claim is generally tolled — the clock runs differently than an adult’s two years. But parents’ related claims and the evidence don’t wait; evaluate early even if you file later.
- Court-approved settlements. Minor settlements require judicial approval and structured protection of the funds — safeguards, not obstacles, and we handle the process.
- Heightened duties. Drivers near schools, property owners with attractive hazards (pools, equipment), and caretakers all owe children more care than adults — including under doctrines that forgive a child’s trespass where a hazard attracts them.
- Comparative fault is age-calibrated. Young children cannot be blamed like adults; the youngest cannot be blamed at all.
Cases We See Most
Pedestrian and school-zone crashes (pedestrian practice), dog bites — where children suffer facial injuries at the highest rates — pool incidents, playground and premises injuries, school and daycare supervision failures (public schools add the six-month government notice rule), and birth injuries. CDC child-injury data and our posts on when a child is injured and when legal help becomes necessary go deeper.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have years to file for our child — why act now?
Because the deadline extension preserves the right, not the proof: camera footage, witnesses, and records fade on adult schedules. And any related parental claims run on the ordinary clock. File later if strategy favors it; investigate now.
Will my child have to testify or be put through more trauma?
Usually not — most children’s cases resolve on records, adult witnesses, and expert evidence. Where a child’s account matters, it’s handled with age-appropriate care, and protecting the child shapes every strategic choice.
Who controls the settlement money?
The court supervises it — typically structured or held for the child’s benefit until adulthood, with documented exceptions for the child’s needs. Parents don’t ‘get’ the money; the child does, protected.
How long do I have to file?
Generally two years under Pennsylvania law — with a six-month written-notice requirement for claims against government entities and special rules for minors and late-discovered injuries. Evidence fades faster than any deadline.
What does hiring you cost?
No attorney’s fee unless we recover for you; the contingency percentage and case-cost handling are in the written fee agreement you review before signing. Consultations are free.
Ready to talk about your case? Call (215) 464-4600 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation — contingency fee, no attorney’s fee unless we recover, costs explained in the written fee agreement.